So much to say! :) First things first: Owning a real, live basil plant is awesome.

I highly recommend that you buy a basil plant for a window in your kitchen. I haven’t killed it yet, which speaks volumes on how easy it is to tend. :) Plus, it’s so much fun to snag a few leaves and add them to dishes that would otherwise lack a little something-something.

I had an excellent Quinoa Salad for lunch today. I love putting hot grains on top of a bed of arugula or spinach because the greens wilt and become so supple.

In the mix:

Arugula

Quinoa

Tomato

Fresh basil

Athenos feta (tomato + basil flavor)

Roasted kidney and pinto beans <—Roasting the beans is easy. Drain the can, rinse away the extra sodium, pat dry, and throw in the oven at 375 for about 10 minutes. Perfection!

In other news…

The Operation Beautiful book drops in four short days (more info here). I’m amazed, nervous, excited, GRATEFUL, freaking out, and really happy. I plan to write more next week about the process of going from reader –> blogger –> author. It’s been quite a wild ride!

I’ve got tons of special things planned for next week, but I want to tell you about two right now!

First up: The Operation Beautiful Virtual Book Tour (VBT)!

The VBT kicks off next Monday and runs until Saturday. For the VBT, I’ve asked a few bloggers to address a topic related to body image and self-esteem. Each will also give away a copy of the book! I hope you check out these excellent blogs next week to see what a former personal trainer, blogger for a major health website, vegan mommy, stay-at-home-mom in her 20’s, runner/professional baker, and Grammy-nominated rock band has to say about Operation Beautiful!

Additionally, I want to hear from YOU! Next week I’ll also be running a larger effort that includes readers + the entire blog community. During Change the Way You See, Not the Way You Look week, I encourage all bloggers + readers to think and write about body image issues.

If you’re a blogger, write a new blog post about whatever subject specifically appeals to you (finding a happy weight? getting fit? learning to love your body? and other ideas here), copy and paste the “Change the Way You See” logo into the blog post (like a photo, as I did above), and then press publish and email me the link. I’ll put that exact link on the blog so other people can read your perspective, too… I’ll link to it on Healthy Tipping Point and OB so new readers can find your blog!

The ability to gain strength and prove me wrong over and over in yoga or running. I tend to think “I can’t” more then “I can” and then my body goes for it and succeeds. I love that we can gain strength if we just put a little work into it!

Love it! I’m going to write something for monday and email you. I will be on vacation next week but tuning in from Cabo on Thursday! So happy for your successes with this book and glad the whole world gets to hear about it! And maybe my book club will be reading it soon…!?

From dance, I have developed an incredible ability to balance. It helped me out when I re-learned how to ski a few years ago. The balance meant that I spent more time on skis and plummeting face first down a mountain!

I love, love, love Superchick! Their song “One Girl Revolution” is actually where I got the name of my site and it’s my biggest/most played motivational song on my workout playlist.

JessJuly 30, 2010, 1:06 pm

I’m training for my first marathon in October, so I’m continually amazed at my body’s ability to run for several hours (and double digit miles) at a time! A year ago, I NEVER would have believed I would be running 14 miles on a Saturday morning (as in tomorrow). It’ll be a new PDR!

Ok my basil plant has total envy over yours. I think I planted mine in too much shade! =( I hear they love the sun. I will keep the faith though!

I am so excited for the VBT!

Carrie HJuly 30, 2010, 6:33 pm

Maybe be careful putting yours in too much sun though … I put mine in 8-10 hours of direct sunlight for a couple weeks because I thought it would help it along, and the sun burned holes into the leaves! Ugh! Now it’s back into the shade for some of the day. (I also live at 7,200 feet, so that may be a factor, I dunno, but I have basil envy toward Caitlin too! :))

Wish I had a window in my kitchen… It would be filled with all kinds of herbs!!! 😀

JessicaJuly 30, 2010, 1:09 pm

I’m grateful that my body put up with all the terrible things I’ve put it through, and still carries me today! My body is strong and healthy and I am grateful that it allows me to dance through life…and allows good belly laughs 🙂

I’m grateful for the ability to move. I have tardive dystonia, and when I have an episode, I’m confined to my bed due to loss of muscle control. So when I have good days, weeks, or even months, I’m so happy to just be able to move how I want to.

KristinJuly 30, 2010, 1:10 pm

I am most grateful for my ability to smile…even when things aren’t going my way. A warm smile can always turn things around 🙂

I have one basilic plant too and I totally love it. I also have a mint plant which is great too! (makes really good couscous salad)
I love your blog, I’m french and I live in canada, montreal, but I enjoy visiting your blog once in a while…Do you know a little in french? I would like to go to the United-states one day, but for now..I’m working this summer, no vacation! lol
have a nice day! 😉

beautiful post…i can’t wait for all of these upcoming events! i would say i’m most thankful for my ability to SEE…with everything that goes on my life, i’m so thankful to see the beauty that surrounds me every day in people, nature, and love 🙂

i’ll be emailing you later 🙂

ChelseaJuly 30, 2010, 1:14 pm

I am greatful to breathe, because with out breath I couldn’t do anything!

JesJuly 30, 2010, 1:16 pm

Although not something my body physically does, honestly, I am most grateful for my brain’s abilities! There is so much that goes on inside there that makes me who I am, so that’s what I am most grateful for! =)

Sarra HJuly 30, 2010, 1:17 pm

I am beyond grateful for the ability to basically do anything I want to do if I put my mind to it, thanks to my health! Most of us complain about having to workout (like, “ugh i hate the treadmill”) but we never stop to think about how lucky we are to even be able to WALK on the treadmill 🙂

I am thankful for the body’s amazing ability to improve itself! I have tried to be ‘healthy’ on and off during various points of my life, and I’m finally truly committing to a healthy lifestyle. I’m thankful that my body can adapt to my new interest in running and that I can always improve! I’m excited to see how many awesome things I can do in the future.

Honestly, the ability to SEE is the one I’m most thankful for. I’ve been to so many different countries (26) and all 50 states, and now that I live in one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen, I am so thankful that I am able to enjoy the beauty of it all.

LeahJuly 30, 2010, 1:24 pm

After last weekend I am so thankfully that I am able bodied enough to walk up 8 flights of stairs. Something that simple has made me appreciate everything my body can do. Last weekend the elevators broke in the large apartment building my boyfriend lives in. Its a very mixed community of young adults, senior citizens, handicapped persons and everyone in between. When the elevator went out (for over 24 hours) many people were trapped both downstairs and in their apartments, but my boyfriend and I were able to walk the 8 plus flights of stairs with our bags without so much as a pause (or sit in the chairs the apartment staff had put on every other floor for people to rest). That day my boyfriend and I realized how lucky we both were that we were able to navigate up and down the stairs multiple times that day without help, and it make me appreciate all the things my body is capable of, even the smallest of things!

I’m grateful to be able to taste. A family friend lost that ability when she was mugged and hit in the head, and I can’t even imagine what it must be like to eat without tasting!
Also, of course, hugging! Nothing, nothing like a good hug!

I’m thankful for my body’s ability to adapt! We throw so much craziness at ourselves in the form of food, climate, workouts etc. etc. etc. and while we might get little resistance, our body can beautifully adapt … that’s pretty awesome.

marieJuly 30, 2010, 1:29 pm

I am most grateful that I am able to do pullups (did 1 yesterday!!) and chinups (did 4 Tuesday!!).

Ah, having the ability to toss fresh basil into any number of dishes sounds delightful.

I’m thankful for having a fully functioning healthy body with all my limbs, period. I’ll always remember one particular run in Central Park, I was finishing up my 5th mile and really having a tough time. All of a sudden, a guy with a prosthetic leg whizzed by me. It was incredibly motivating and really put things into perspective for me. I thought, “If he can overcome all that AND still run, I can keep going too.”

KellieJuly 30, 2010, 1:33 pm

I am thankful for my mobility. My mother-in-law has MS and seeing how much she struggles just to get around makes me appreciate what my body can do. It makes me want to take care of it and treat it well.

Oh, and you’re so right about the basil. I kill any plant I touch but my basil is giant-sized now.

MarisaJuly 30, 2010, 1:41 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to bounce back from sickness. I have had a few surgeries for my Crohns disease and I always bounce back and recover. It is magic. 🙂

ErikaJuly 30, 2010, 1:42 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to move and enjoy the bounties of nature….I work in the healthcare field, so I do not take for granted my ability to climb a flight of stairs, get up from bed easily, hug my mom, or take the pups for a walk/run…..I am just thankful for all my injuries, that I am still able to do all those activities that make me smile.

I am thankful for my legs that are training for this 1/2 marathon. I am amazed when they take me 1 mile farther than I have ever gone.

RachelJuly 30, 2010, 1:42 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to swim/bike/run – doing my first tri on Sunday!!!!!!

JulieneJuly 30, 2010, 1:44 pm

I’m grateful that my body has bounced back after being mistreated for so long. I can’t believe that after losing so much weight that my body looks and feels better than it did when I was younger!

Emily G.July 30, 2010, 1:45 pm

I’m grateful that my body is able to complete the simple task that so many people can’t. Walking, hearing, seeing, etc. I think so many people take that for granted. I also enjoy being able to snuggle up with my cute pup at night 🙂

I would love to participate in this–what a great idea! I haven’t always had the most positive body image but have changed for the (much) better and would love to write about it. 🙂

The thing I’m most grateful to my body for is all the surprises it gives me every time I challenge it. 😉 Whether I push myself mentally or physically and think “wow, this is so hard, I don’t know if I’ll make it through”, I make it! A couple years ago I never thought I’d be successfully lifting weights. A few days ago I thought I would never run. Now I’m doing both and am so glad.

jessica gJuly 30, 2010, 1:46 pm

i love my lungs. i mistreating them with smoking for so long, but have recently quit and also completed my first half marathon! keep breathing.

KateJuly 30, 2010, 1:47 pm

I’m grateful my body is able to get me to and from work everyday either walking or biking. Saving money, getting exercise, and being green – can’t beat it!

JenJuly 30, 2010, 1:48 pm

I love that my body evens itself out. If I have too many carbs one day, my body craves fruits and veggies the next!

ChaaronJuly 30, 2010, 1:48 pm

I’m most grateful for my body’s ability to dance, because dance expresses so many emotions without words.

I’ll be doing an Operation Beautiful post tonight!
I’m thankful for the ability to see. I whine and bitch about a knee injury, but at least I can still walk (which I need my eyes for). Plus, how else would I be able to see when my two dogs are about to pounce on me? Beagles are quite stealthy.

SarahJuly 30, 2010, 1:52 pm

I am thankful that my body can handle it when I push it harder physically than usual. It’s always a great surprise!

LauraJuly 30, 2010, 1:52 pm

I’m grateful that i am able to SMILE. one small little movement of the mouth can have such an amazing affect on someone’s mood.

WhitneyJuly 30, 2010, 1:52 pm

So grateful that I can run and walk! I work with weight loss patients who sometimes can barely do either one…really makes me think twice about what abilities I am so blessed to have!

this might be stretching it a bit but I am most thankful for being able to feel. Be it an emotion, sense, etc. As an artist I would hate not to be able to feel something when I see not only my own but another beautiful piece of art. Same goes with love, what would I be if I couldn’t feel love?

to see for sure. I think being blind would be miserable, I am so grateful I can see all the beautiful things in creation!

Joyce DavisJuly 30, 2010, 1:54 pm

Because I’ve experienced knee problems, I am most grateful for the ability to kneel, something others must take for granted.
Congratulations for your book.

KarlaJuly 30, 2010, 1:54 pm

I am most greatful that I can hear. It is through my fiance’s words that I know how much he loves me! 🙂

CateJuly 30, 2010, 1:55 pm

I am grateful for my voice. It’s painful to listen to me sing, but as a teacher, that’s the one part of my body (along with my mind) that I use to affect students every day.

LaurenJuly 30, 2010, 1:55 pm

I’m grateful for my brain! I have volunteered at a rehab hospital for about a year now, and it’s so crazy how little things- a fall with a little knock to your head– can impact your ability to think, speak, form words, swallow, control impulses, time your speaking (and know how much time should lapse before you speak again in a conversation)…And on the other side of that token, it’s absolutely AMAZING how well your body can heal itself- your brain can rebuild and help you learn to swallow, walk, talk, run, sing, again! With a strong sense of faith, hope, and determination, it’s amazing to see what a body can accomplish.

NicoleJuly 30, 2010, 1:55 pm

Totally inappropriate but I gotta say I’m grateful for the ability to orgasm….’nuff said!

I am thankful for my ability to run! When I get burnt out from training for a race or because of a hectic day/week, I just think, “Do it because you CAN!” So many people are unable to run, or even walk, so I am soo grateful!

J.L.July 30, 2010, 2:01 pm

Love to visit friends and be active

CarolJuly 30, 2010, 2:02 pm

Grateful to be able to walk my dogs

MarcieJuly 30, 2010, 2:03 pm

To play with my daughter

ErinJuly 30, 2010, 2:03 pm

I’m grateful that my body is healthy and that it allows me to run. There are so many things that you think you can’t do, but if you trust in yourself and your body, you find that it’s easier than you think.

I think I’m most grateful for the ability it gives me to help others and that I can do pretty much anything I want to do.

MarilynJuly 30, 2010, 2:11 pm

Definitely my body’s ability to heal! I’ve had a couple of surgeries so the healing process has been a life saver!

kirstenJuly 30, 2010, 2:12 pm

I’m grateful for the ability to smile! you can express a lot with your face 🙂

christineJuly 30, 2010, 2:12 pm

I’m grateful for even just being able to walk and for tolerating pain. I’m thankful for breathing and continuing to live a healthy life 🙂

NancyJuly 30, 2010, 2:13 pm

I’m grateful to be able to run with my 4 1/2 year old daughter and carry her when she gets tired!

I’ve got my book on pre-order!!!

KMattrnJuly 30, 2010, 2:17 pm

I can’t pick just one thing I’m grateful my body can do. I’m constantly amazed at the ability of the human body. Not only does mine get me through daily life — even when I’m not treating it as good as it should be treated — but it has carried me through lots of adventures (hiking, white water rafting, myriad amusement park rides); given birth to two healthy babies; allows me to appreciate the arts and beauty of the world we live in; allows me to experience intimacy and physical pleasures; to taste all the wonderful foods out there; heals its own injuries; learns and adapts to new situations and demands…
Seriously?!!? How fantastic is all that?!
I love my body:)

As a mom of six, I love my body for its ability to give birth and then nurture those children.

JenJuly 30, 2010, 2:19 pm

I am so thankful for my ability to walk. I’m thankful for this because I badly sprained my ankle two weeks ago. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions trying to adjust to not being able to RUN for the time being – I was training for a half marathon that I’m not going to be able to participate in – but realizing that at least I’m able to walk – albeit slowly – while others can’t has given me SUCH appreciation for what I used to take for granted.

CorinneJuly 30, 2010, 2:21 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to adapt. I have just lost over 120 pounds and my body stuck with me the whole time.

RachaelJuly 30, 2010, 2:22 pm

I’m a brand new runner (started C25K last week!) and have been suffering from a terrible case of shin splints. I am so thankful that my body is able to push through workouts but also signal to me what’s wrong so that I can be proactive in stretching and preventing any potential injuries.

EricaJuly 30, 2010, 2:23 pm

I am most grateful for my body’s ability to let me enjoy an active lifestyle. I can go out for bike rides with my husband, 9 mile hikes with my best friend, and runs with my dog. I get to experience so much because my body is strong and healthy!

AlisonJuly 30, 2010, 2:23 pm

I’m grateful for my ability to walk as I walk around the city I live in without a car!

RaeJuly 30, 2010, 2:24 pm

I am so greatful to my body for handling everything I throw at it…as a triathlete, I can be pretty darn demanding of it…but it rocked me through my first Ironman on Sunday…LOVIN my body!!!

I am so happy my body allows me to workout and do hard things! I am glad I am able to strengthen my body and use it to do everyday stuff at work and at home. I have some family members who are unable to do much due to health, so I am really grateful.

ErickaJuly 30, 2010, 2:28 pm

The ability to run. It’s the only thing that truly makes me feel good lately.

SaraJuly 30, 2010, 2:28 pm

Laugh! (Does that count?) I love how it makes me feel…and how having a good laugh with friends, family, strangers on the street (as long as it isn’t at someone elses expense!) instantly bonds people together!

I’m most grateful for the ability to walk! Without that life would be very difficult.

WillJuly 30, 2010, 2:32 pm

The ability to bake and cook for my family and friends

DonJuly 30, 2010, 2:32 pm

I love that I can work in my garden

KellyJuly 30, 2010, 2:33 pm

I am grateful that my body was able to have 2 healthy babies!

elaine!July 30, 2010, 2:34 pm

I am so grateful I can run. When I was a kid, I had asthma. I would often have to sit down in the middle of PE and try not to cry because I was panicked about how hard it was to breathe. Then my inhaler would make me shaky and lightheaded. I still remember when I did 1 mile at our school track meet. I was second to last and so proud of myself. Then in college, I took a jogging class, and after a few months my knees hurt so bad I could hardly walk to class. I managed it for a few years, but then it got really bad again. This year I took a running workshop and really practiced my running technique, and now I can run pain-free. My longest run so far is 8 miles! And I’m signed up for two half-marathons, and am planning on a marathon next year.

I am grateful that my body let me train for and finish a half-marathon–I never thought it would ever be possible.

PaulaJuly 30, 2010, 2:36 pm

I am grateful that I can take care of people, I am a nurse and the fact that I can hold someones hand, give a hug, wipe away tears, and make someone laugh makes me realize that my body can offer someone else comfort.

I’m grateful that I am able to enjoy the little things in life like going for a nice bike ride and to our local farmer’s market to cook up a bunch of goodies in the kitchen 🙂 Fresh basil is pure heaven.

I was >100 pounds overweight for about 20 years and battled major knee problems. With a major lifestyle change (made one, small step at a time), I now compete in stair-climbing events. My next event will be to run up the Sears Tower in November. I’m hoping to do it in less than 20 minutes. (Yikes!)

I am greatful for my body always being able to go further than I think it is able to. <3

AlisonJJuly 30, 2010, 2:48 pm

I am so grateful that I can hug – there is nothing like a good hug with friends and family.

Allison BJuly 30, 2010, 2:49 pm

I am grateful for my ability to get up every morning, walk to the bathroom, fix my breakfast, go running…Being able to do everyday normal things that a lot of people have trouble doing, or just can’t, that we talk for granted a lot. I am very lucky with my abilities and health and it can be easy to take it for granted.

grateful that my body allows me to do run marathons, which helps me to keep my sanity 🙂

JenniferJuly 30, 2010, 2:50 pm

WOW! I know that my body is capable of so many things, to include the ones I don’t even give a second thought most of the time. So, I am going to say that I am grateful for the ability to walk: the simple act of being able, with no trouble at all, to get myself from point A to point B. There are people in my life for whom getting around is difficult due to numerous health problems (like COPD and neuropathy from anti-rejection meds for a liver transplant). I am thankful for my health so that I can get around and move and be and do! ♥

Keri-DanielleJuly 30, 2010, 2:50 pm

I’m most thankful for my body’s physical and emotion strength. The feeling over overcoming something you never thought you could is so very impowering.

My arms and their ability to hold. I am not a very touchy person and often don’t hug, but holding my husband and wrapping my arms around family/friends I haven’t seen in awhile brings me more comfort than anything else in this world. My day ends and begins with wrapping my arms around my husband and I am so grateful that I have the ability to do that each and every day.

I am so thankful for my great balance. I took ballet as a child for five years, then became a three-sport athlete through high school, and although I still play tennis, I have developed a great sense of balance. Balance is such a simple thing, but it has allowed me to take on downhill skiing in the winter. Skiing in the winter has become a great get-away and escape for me.

JessJuly 30, 2010, 2:54 pm

I’m thankful I can run!! A student from my Alma mater recently lost his legs in a freak climbing accident. His amazing attitude and desire to continue living life to it’s fullest made me realize I have very little to actually complain about.

I am most grateful for all of the above ( i hope i can do that–bc i just did, haha!) i am so happy to have the ability to kiss, run, dance & sing…but to add to that i’m also greatful to hug, skip, love, SMILE, jump, and twirl 🙂

HeidiJuly 30, 2010, 2:56 pm

Of all the things my body can do for which I am grateful, I am most grateful for my body’s ability to change into what ever I am willing to work for it to become. It can become stonger, leaner, faster, more muscular, more flexible, lighter, more graceful……

I am greatful for my body’s ability to reward me for my efforts! When I push myself in a run, I get that extra endorphin buzz. When I train hard, my body becomes able to go faster and further. Every goal I set, my body rewards me for working for it, regardless of the time on the clock, or the number on the scale.

StephanieJuly 30, 2010, 2:59 pm

To give birth to three wonderful babies!

TristaJuly 30, 2010, 3:02 pm

I am most grateful for my body’s ability to run. I’m still amazed when I get in from a long run that I just did that!

Anne Weber-FalkJuly 30, 2010, 3:03 pm

I am most grateful for my ability to smile. I know that a genuine smile pointed in any direction can make a person feel better. It makes me feel better too. I can have the worst day but when I start to smile, especially at other people, my day becomes better immediately. So smile with your teeth and with your eyes. It is beautiful and makes others feel good too.

JessJuly 30, 2010, 3:05 pm

That’s a really great question and a tough one at that. I’m grateful for everything that my body does and the energy it gives me to do all I want in life, like running, standing on my feet all day while teaching, lifting grocery bags, and doing a body pump class. I am in awe of how much my body gives me but know that I should be more aware of it all the time!

I am thankful for so many things. Hard to choose just one. I constantly thank God for the ability to run because of the numerous gifts that it give me but I am going to choose SMELL on this one. The sense of smell is so powerful. My absolute favorite thing to smell is my children (especially my two year old son). His sweet smell is so calming to me. The smell of coffee is invigorating, the smell of spagetti in the kitchen or a pie cooking is undescribeable. I am blessed to have the use of all my senses and limbs and I am thankful for that everyday. What a blessing it is to be able to see, hear, smell, touch. This is really going on. I must be having a moment.

Anyway, I am totally getting your book and even though I have not written an operation beautiful type post on my blog..yet, I am totally snagging the button bc I like it. I will write something soon and send it to you. 🙂

I will definitely be participating in this!
I am most proud of the fact that my body can think. I am proud of my mind and my ability to be intelligent both in an academic sense and in my everyday life!

I remember last year after i ran my first half marathon telling myself that i was sooo grateful that my legs were able to take me that distance. i was thankful that they allow me to run and walk, and that they put up what i make them go through! So thank you legs!!!! 🙂

I can not wait to get my hands on the book (I pre-order it last week!0
The thing I am most proud of is the ability to run longer than 3 miles without feeling like dying! I never thought in a million years I would run a 9 mile race and then sign up for the a 1/2 marathon! If you told me I would be doing this two years ago, I would have said you were nuts. Now, here I am doing it.

in the spirit of Operation Beautiful, I am grateful for my BRAIN + MIND…

MY BRAIN, because it is intelligent and has not only earned a college degree, it has excelled as a CFO. as an Accountant. as a Project Manager for a $6 Million project. …and it helped me attract a SUPER Intelligent, Amazing Man – who loves me for my smarts 🙂

MY MIND, because it is open minded and accepting of all people, in all walks of life, every size, shape and color. MY OPEN MIND allowed me to enjoy several years as a Special Olympics coach in college – I coached a team of weight lifters and brought them to tournaments. A truly amazing, humbling and FUN experience!

🙂

nicoleJuly 30, 2010, 3:28 pm

Running! I’ve really become a running nerd in the last year and have completed a half marathon and a full marathon. I really love it and it’s amazing how much it can improve my mood. Lately I’ve been loving trail running and I have a 25k trail race on August 15!

Laura T.July 30, 2010, 3:28 pm

im thankful for my ability to exercise! not only can i let off some steam, but it keeps me healthy and sane!

KatieFJuly 30, 2010, 3:30 pm

I am grateful for the ability to breathe. Just think for a second about how refreshing a great big breath of cool air is. Nothing better. 🙂

TeishaJuly 30, 2010, 3:31 pm

I’m grateful for the ability to dance ! Whether it be in public, on stage or just at home with my daughter. It makes me happy 🙂

I’m just grateful that I can get up everyday and do the things that I want to do, without giving it a second thought.

stephanie pJuly 30, 2010, 3:34 pm

I could never pick just one thing…so as kind of a cop=out, I’m grateful for my body’s ability to live.

IleneJuly 30, 2010, 3:36 pm

I’m simply grateful to be able to live…we take it for granted.

ChristyJuly 30, 2010, 3:37 pm

I’m must grateful that I have the ability to move. I have several members of my family including my parents who are on some type of arthritis medication. My grandmother being the most crippled by the disease. I see the pain they are in every day and it makes me want to keep moving so that I might fight off the disease one more day.

I’m SO grateful for the ability to run. I just love running SO much, it makes me feel better about myself and feel strong! My Dad was really sick and confined to a hospital bed for over 2 months last year. I would think about him every day and the fact that he couldn’t even get up and walk across the room, I could darn well go do my 5K run and APPRECIATE every second of it. That really changed my perspective on running and my ability to do so. And even now when I start to feel tired/annoyed with running, I remind myself there are so many people who CAN’T run so I should get out there and appreciate the fact that I can!

MaryJuly 30, 2010, 3:40 pm

Run! I don’t think I have gone on a run in the past month without thinking how grateful I am to be able to run…I often think about grandparents or the handicapped who are unable to run (or often walk), and I realize how lucky and blessed I am to be able to run! Can’t imagine my life without it.

TessaJuly 30, 2010, 3:41 pm

I’ve been a sailor since I was in highschool and when you sail smaller boats, you really use your body to control the boat and navigate the waves and wind. Nothing makes me feel stronger and prouder of my body than when I use my body to hike over the edge of the boat and hold onto the mainsheet to keep the boat from flipping because of a really strong gust of wind.

KatieJuly 30, 2010, 3:41 pm

Definitely the ability to get out and run. I think about the fact that not everyone is able to go and just run and that helps motivate me everytime I don’t feel like lacing up my running shoes.

JessJuly 30, 2010, 3:42 pm

I’m grateful for the ability to be active! Whether it’s zumba, running, yoga, hiking etc, I’m grateful that I can just get up and go whenever the mood hits 🙂

lauraJuly 30, 2010, 3:42 pm

im grateful for my ability to learn! im in the process of applying to grad school and am so thankful i have that opportunity!

KatieJuly 30, 2010, 3:43 pm

I am most grateful for my strong legs that walk (occasionally jog) me so many places.

malJuly 30, 2010, 3:45 pm

sleeeeeeeep!

LauraJuly 30, 2010, 3:45 pm

Each day I am simply blessed to wake up, get up and do the things I put my mind to doing. I am only limited by my own fears and lack of determination.

i am SO writing an OB blog post! 😀
i’m so grateful for just being able to have a body and being able to move, live, breathe, laugh, and enjoy life. after all i’ve put it through…the lows that i have hit and to the highs i’ve soared through, i’m so thankful that each and every day i have a healthy body that is capable of such amazing things.

SilviaJuly 30, 2010, 3:46 pm

Just getting through all that I put it through every day.

MaryZJuly 30, 2010, 3:46 pm

I am always amazed and grateful for how strong my body is when it is under stress. Whether the stress is physical or mental, its always amazing how it gets me through life.

Baby BlueJuly 30, 2010, 3:49 pm

I am thankful that I have to ability to be strong in my body. I have beat myself up too many times for not exercising enough or not eating healthily. I have decided to just let go and eat well and exercise because it will make me feel better. I am thankful for my strong body that lets me do the things that I need and want to do.

I am grateful that my body can heal after so many years of treating it really terribly. I’m also grateful that no matter how often my car breaks down, my feet and legs always get me wherever I need to go. 🙂

LoriJuly 30, 2010, 3:54 pm

I am most grateful that my arms are the perfect length to give squeezes to my son. Even though he is getting older, I will never tire of hugging, holding, and cuddling with him as much as he’ll let me.

StephanieJuly 30, 2010, 3:54 pm

Although I haven’t had any children yet, I’m grateful for my body’s ability to bear children and be a nuturing mother. I think that is a very important part of who I am and what makes me happy in life.

laurenJuly 30, 2010, 3:58 pm

smiling! so glad i can smile and am also really glad that others can!

KaleighJuly 30, 2010, 3:58 pm

I am so thankful for the ability to see. I can’t imagine not getting to notice the little and big beautiful things that make up this world. From the tiny dots on a lady bug, to the smile my doggies have on their face when I get home, to the way my husband smirks at me to the way the Rocky mountains look purple. You can learn so much about life just by paying attention!

You can post it now if you want and then just email it to me – a little early but no worries!

It just can’t be a post you wrote in, say, april.

DanikaJuly 30, 2010, 4:04 pm

I am grateful that my body can push its limits and pump out those miles. It really makes me appreciate my body and how capable it is. I am confident then anybody can do the work if they put their body to the test!

HeatherJuly 30, 2010, 4:05 pm

I am grateful for the strength of our hearts. My dad had quadruple by-pass surgery yesterday afternoon, and today he has already gotten out of bed and now he is watching NASCAR 🙂

I think my ability to bounce back I havent always been kind to myself and still have the ability to run and participate in other physical activities!

AmberJuly 30, 2010, 4:09 pm

I am pretty hard on my body (in my head) wish it looked this way or that way….but all in all I am grateful that I have the strength to do most anything I put my mind to! The body is an amazing tool and everyone should learn to love and respect what God gave them!!!

I am most grateful that I simply have legs that work! While I’m injured right now, it has got me thinking that in general I have two strong legs that can power me through anything. I can walk, run, skip, jump, whatever I want!

I am SO glad to see the Daily Spark is one of the blogs that will be talking your book up! I, of course, love Sparkpeople and I love when I see two of my favorites combined!

NatJuly 30, 2010, 4:10 pm

I am most grateful for the ability to move/walk/run and for being able to see! I love being able to go places and explore and to excercise- it makes me happy. Taking in all the sights/nature makes me happy too.
Oh, don’t know if this counts as it’s obviously a learned thing, but I am so grateful that I am able to read 🙂
I look forward to your posts on how you became an author! I was wondering about that just yesterday and wanted to spend some time over the weekend trawling your archives 😉
You must be bursting with excitement…only a few days now 🙂 I am so excited for you!!! Will order my copy of OB right now here in the UK!

The love that my legs are strong enough to get me out of bed every morning and carry me through the day.

AndreaJuly 30, 2010, 4:17 pm

I am most thankful for my body to be overall healthy and strong, enabling me to do all the things I love like wakeboarding, riding, kickboxing, yoga – and that it never complains.

SavannahJuly 30, 2010, 4:17 pm

i am so grateful for strong legs that have been kind enough to let me train for a marathon, do countless downward dogs, kick reeeeally high in kickboxing, and travel the world with just my feet to guide me.
and for an easy smile. i like smiling. i’m pretty good at it too. 🙂

JessicaJuly 30, 2010, 4:19 pm

Congrats on the official drop date being so soon as well as the fun things that go with that!

I love that my body has the ability to write. Opposable thumbs are where it’s at. I can write with a pen or type the words. Either way, without this ability, I wouldn’t have a livelihood!

I work with people with disabilities and every day I’m thankful for my health, my ability to make decisions for myself about myself (many of these guys are under some sort of guardianship), and that my good health allows me to make decisions that make me healthier, like go running. When I see our consumers who are in wheelchairs or have bad hips or other conditions that affect their mobility, I’m glad that I don’t have these obstacles in the way of maintaining my own health.

AndreaJuly 30, 2010, 4:45 pm

I’m grateful for the Most Amazing Thing my body has ever done – nurture and birth my son _all by itself_. No drugs, no probes, no problems. A previous miscarriage devastated my confidence and faith in my body so I was deeply grateful to have that faith and confidence restored. And I got the added bonus of my beautiful boy. (If I’m picked I will gladly send a photo of said boy!) I also realize that others aren’t blessed by this ability, which makes me treasure it all the more.

NatalieJuly 30, 2010, 4:47 pm

Love this question! I would normally say just the ability to be active and having a young able body, but reading the other responses reminds me that I should be grateful for everything I can do. Today I will be consciously thankful of my ability to hug, hear(listen), and dance. And I will do all three!

AmyJuly 30, 2010, 4:49 pm

I’m thankful that my bodies strong enough to lift weights and build muscle despite battling anorexia and dealing with bad body image issues. I’m trying to overcome them with replacing the being skinny mantra with being healthy, fit, and having sexy muscles. Muscles and health are sexier than skinny anyday. Looking in the mirror and appreciating myself for who I am is my work in progress right now. I love operation beautiful.

I am in awe of my body’s ability to grow (not the right word but I can’t think right now) my two beautiful children. And also of my ability to make milk! breastfeeding is such an amazing phenomenom. My daughter has gained almost 3 lbs in her 6 weeks of life and knowing that it’s all been from me is so stinkin awesome.

MichelleJuly 30, 2010, 4:51 pm

I’m grateful for my ablity to walk. I voulenteer with kids, some of whom are disabled and it really makes you appreciate being able to lace up your sneakers and run. I try to remember that when I’m moody after a bad run!

elaineJuly 30, 2010, 4:55 pm

definitely run! i was just thinking about this on my run the other day. it amazes me the way my body works together to let me run and i can feel every part of it working in unison. it makes me appreciate and love my body so much!

shortyJuly 30, 2010, 4:55 pm

Wow what a tough question! Having babies seems to be the most amazing thing…but really anything our bodies are capable of is down right amazing!!!
Shorty

I am grateful for the fact that my body can breathe. If I wasn’t breathing, I wouldn’t be living, and I wouldn’t be on this earth. After breathing, I am thankful for everything else that my body can do, even the negatives (none that I can think of right now) because they help me learn, and make me who I am.

The ability to surprise me every day with what I thought I could never do, and the ability to do the most simple things that seem “normal” but not everybody can do. In general I am just in awe how bodies can be so similar and so different at the same time!

I am so thankful for the ability to walk. I don’t live in a super walkable area right now, but in the past it has been my main means of transportation. My life would be so different if I didnt have the ability to walk/run/skip down the street everyday.

Anna WebbJuly 30, 2010, 5:17 pm

I am thankful for the ability to hug. At the end of a long, terrible day….a hug can do wonders. I love giving them and getting them!

IvyJuly 30, 2010, 5:18 pm

I most grateful for my body’s ability to constantly adapt to new challenges, doing more and going farther than my brain thought it could, and for its ability to constantly renew itself through the simplest act – sleeping. As a healthcare worker, there are times I have to work weird hours, or switch from day shift to night shift on short notice, and my body adapts readily as long as I give it its sleep. It pushes through 12, 13, and 14 hour or longer shifts with little complaining and gives me the ability to do a job I love.

I haven’t had time to congratulate you on the book! Crazy that you are going from a blogger to an author. I’m so excited to see the countless doors that are going to open for you to effect the lives of girls all over the world! What a thought. Keep up the great work!

Right now I am thankful to breath. To take in a fresh breath of air, to breath in the smells of baking bread in the kitchen or the bakery down the street!

I am most grateful that my body allows me to get from point A to point B so easily. My father has multiple sclerosis and throughout the past few years it has become so much more of a chore for him to simply navigate places. It’s so difficult for him that sometimes he just won’t go certain places in order to skip the hassle. I’m so lucky that I am healthy and his disease has really made me appreciate it so much more. If only I could give him some of my ability… he deserves it more than anyone I know!

DeniseJuly 30, 2010, 5:22 pm

I am thankful that my wonderful hands enable me to hug my children and my husband and to take care of my patients ( I am a nurse ) . I am now especially thankful for my often under-appreciated hands as I recently healed from surgery to a broken hand and realized how ESSENTIAL my hands really are!!!!!

AmyJuly 30, 2010, 5:23 pm

I can’t even list the number of things I am grateful to my body for-I have not always been so nice to it, and yet I am able to run many miles, work at a very physical job, and hopefully, have a baby soon!

JaeJuly 30, 2010, 5:23 pm

Im grateful that my body is strong enough to let me mom walk for a couple miles or bike each day. im grateful that it is strong enough to get myself through a couple all nighters when Im studying for tests during the school year.

Amy HJuly 30, 2010, 5:26 pm

I am most grateful that my body let’s me run. Sometimes I get frustrated that it is not running faster, but then I think about how wonderful it is to just be out there doing what I am doing, no matter the pace.

elissaJuly 30, 2010, 5:34 pm

I am most grateful for my bodies ability to love and be loved. It’s the best feeling to give your love away and to be able to receive it from others. I can’t imagine life without it!

I am grateful for my vision. I have had such a rough time this past year with non stop eye infections (due to an allergic reaction from my contacts since the company changed chemical composition without telling me). There was a point in which I was visiting my eye doc every 10 days. Not cool for insurance or my wallet. I can now see!

HeatherJuly 30, 2010, 5:35 pm

Honestly, I would have to say the ability to FIGHT. I’ve had cancer and been through chemo 2 times, and the last time was told my odds weren’t great, my body didn’t fail me and fought and I’m still here, and for that I will forever be grateful.

TheresaJuly 30, 2010, 5:36 pm

I am grateful for the ability to move. I think the body does amazing things when we move it.

I’m grateful for my body’s ability to always know what to do.. whether it’s move, rest or heal… it does what it needs to do with ease as long as I take care of it. Great motivation to continue to take care of myself!

pennyJuly 30, 2010, 5:40 pm

I am a runner and always grateful for my body’s ability to move. My mom had mobility issues for 16 years and after she got sick I never took my ability to exercise, walk or even move my hands freely for granted.
On a slightly cheesier note, after giving birth I am incredibly grateful for my body’s ability to make and grow another person. I had an easy pregnancy and a fairly easy birth and I know how lucky I am.

Congrats on the book!

IlanaJuly 30, 2010, 5:43 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to dance! There’s no better way to express yourself =)

LizJuly 30, 2010, 5:43 pm

Wow, that’s such a great question! I am definitely most grateful that my body is so able to do so many things! My sister in law is disabled and it is so hard to see her struggle so much physically. Spending time with her makes me realize how blessed I am to have an able body. She looks on the bright side of things and appreciates what she can do, but I know it is so difficult for her to be so limited. I especially love that I am able to dance around in my apartment in my underwear…probably my favorite thing to do in my spare time!

RunnerJuly 30, 2010, 5:59 pm

I’m grateful for my body’s endurance. It has been through some long days, weeks, months, and years and it’s still going strong. I especially appreciate the way it’s able to build endurance for running which has become one of my favorite activities.

CharlotteJuly 30, 2010, 6:05 pm

I am grateful for my body’s ability to heal and being able to walk after being unable to for 6 months due to an injury. You do not realize how strong and important your body is until it is put to the test.

I am grateful for my body’s ability to keep on tickin. Whether it’s running, working, swimming, biking, or just surviving, it never lets me down.

ElanaJuly 30, 2010, 6:07 pm

I’m grateful for my ability to RUN! And be active in general! I wasn’t very active growing up and while I went to the gym off and on throughout high school and college, I never really found any exercise that I genuinely liked and felt challenged by. I just started running a few months ago and am now training for a half and although I’m certainly not a naturally gifted runner and have way more bad runs than good ones unfortunately, challenging my body in this way has even lead me to take on other physical challenges that I wouldn’t have dreamed of trying in the past! (Bikram, intense plyometric workouts, etc!)

AngelaJuly 30, 2010, 6:19 pm

I am grateful to my body for making my beautiful daughter, safely housing her for 40 weeks and delivering a healthy little girl who is the sunshine in my life! 🙂 My body rocks!!

TracyJuly 30, 2010, 6:29 pm

I gave birth to 4 beautiful healthy children, 2 of which were full-term twins!

I’m grateful to just be ABLE to move. My sister had a snowboarding fall last week and broke the T8 and T9 vertabrae in her back. She’s got to wear a back brace now for 3 months and her idea of movement is going to the bathroom then back to bed! It definitely puts things into perspective when you know that someone would love to be out doing stuff is confined to bed essentially. I think we take our bodies and what they can do for granted to the extreme, until something either happens to us (or someone close to us) to impair that.

Being able to walk 🙂 There are so many people who can’t and many of those that can take it for granted. A lot of people see it as a “given” and hate walking an extra 5 ft to get something. We should embrace the fact that we can walk around freely and enjoy the extra steps we are allowed to take!

I am grateful that I am able to walk. I may have difficulty with some things because I’m trying to lose weight, but I am grateful every day that I still have the ability to walk and have the option to exercise. I try to remind myself of that when I have a day where I want to be too lazy.

I am grateful that I can grow my own food. This is my first summer that I have been in a garden, and as a full time gardener, I’ve learned a lot. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from growing from seed a portion of every meal for the entire summer. And watching the plants grow, one of my (now astonishingly huge -I have no idea how it got that way) was once a wee little seed carried from dorm to house to environmental center. It’s quite a meaningful thing. And flowers are spectacular.
Lettuce is also a really good thing to grow if you don’t have a lot of space, you can grow it in pots and plant quite a few rounds of it in a season. It’s very neat to watch it grow. 🙂
Take care,
Katrina.

Lindsey GailJuly 30, 2010, 8:37 pm

I am most grateful for my simple ability to use my legs: playing soccer, yoga, dancing, hiking, doing housework, but most of all walking and running. My dad died of ALS (amyotrophic lateral schlerosis; known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) a few years ago. During the fast progression of his illness, I was surprised when he really needed the convenience of using handicapped parking spaces at the grocery store; it was really hard for him to walk even with the closer parking space. When I started doing ALS walks, the shirts simply say “Walk to D’feat ALS: Because you can.” When I run, I always get a little extra boost from thinking that I am taking the steps that my dad could not.

LizJuly 30, 2010, 8:39 pm

I am most grateful to use my body to help students. I am a special education teacher in a school with students that come from really hard family/economic lives. I am grateful that I can help my students and that they can learn from me.

AmandaJuly 30, 2010, 8:40 pm

running and hiking the most! I am grateful that my body is strong enough to do these things, sometimes I have to remember that there are so many people out there that can’t run, hike or even walk.

I’m grateful for being able to swim – all my worries and anxieties dissolve in water! Grateful also for your blog as I have learned so much! 🙂

MacraeJuly 30, 2010, 9:34 pm

I’m grateful for my body enduring all that I have put it through! Whether it be double digit runs, countless bumps and bruises, late nights out, super intense study sessions, or all of the above in too short of time, my body pushes forward and provides me with amazing opportunities!

I am truly grateful for my body’s memory which allows me to cherish my memories. I’ve seen the affects of the elderly losing their memory and I hold it dear to me that I still have the ability to use mine.

ElizabethJuly 30, 2010, 9:55 pm

breathing! I have a very good friend who needs to be on oxygen all of the time, and even though she really is able to take advantage of all life has to offer, she reminds me about how lucky I am to have an ability that we all take for granted so often!

At this point in my life, I am most grateful for my body to be able to produce and house my growing baby! It is so amazing how the body reacts and changes during pregnancy (the good and the weird/bad), and I still find it completely mind-blowing that there is a little person in my belly right now!

“Your body does amazing things, like kiss, run, dance, sing. What ability are you most grateful for and why?”

I am grateful that I have had the strength to overcome obstacles, and survive when life has given me lemons. I’ve faced bankruptcy, unemployment several times over, and financial destitution. And I’ve always come out of it a little bit stronger. I hope that I can overcome this recent struggle of recovering from surgery and severe financial issues, as well as the very large possibility I will be living in a different country in a month and a half.

I’m thankful for the ability to wiggle my toes! After I go for a nice run, or when I’m doing some sort of intense physical activity I like to wiggle my toes at the end. It makes me feel like I’m five years old again, and turns the hardest work outs where I struggle into something to smile about! I’ve been involved in drum corps international (www.dci.org) for the last 5 years of my life and everyday during a hard rehearsal I would remind my friends just to wiggle their toes, and it always made us smile when things got hard. I guess that means I’m most thankful for the ability to push past hard things? Or to live in child-like moments? But mostly just wiggling my toes sums it up. c:

Ashley SJuly 30, 2010, 11:17 pm

I’m grateful for my straight hair. Most people struggle with theirs, but I’m fortunate enough I don’t have to. It allows me to have more time in the morning to tend to more important things…like breakfast!

DanielleJuly 30, 2010, 11:18 pm

I am thankful for my ability to walk confidently into challenging situations! Confidence is a beautiful quality and one I strive to embody every day!

BeeJuly 30, 2010, 11:44 pm

I’m grateful for my body as a whole. As much as I tear it apart with criticisms about my appearance, my body gets me from point A to B without any problems. I’m in good health and getting more and more in shape with every passing day. I try to nurture it with physical activity, wholesome foods and rest as best I can. I will only ever have one body, and I’m grateful for every bit of it!

susanJuly 30, 2010, 11:46 pm

I am grateful that my body allows me to sprint like it’s my job. I am able to beat the men in my boot camp class 🙂

I’m a labour and delivery nurse, and I am so grateful for my body’s ability for recovery in so many ways. I work 12 hour shifts work…including nights. Can be tough…but by the end of my work sets my body is CRAVING exercise! Recovery from the tiredness, wierd shifts, and more infrequent exercise. I always try to exercise at least once or twice during my 4 shifts, but it doesn’t always happen. And having said that, I’m ALWAYS amazed at how quick your body remembers where you left off as far as endurance goes! So crazy!

In general…I am so amazed by women’s ability to make babies and give birth! And the things us gals do up to their deliveries is crazy cool too! I’ve had patients who were running awesome distances up until the day before their babies are born!!!! Yay girls!!!

Melissa GJuly 31, 2010, 12:17 am

I am so amazed that my body heals so quickly. I broke my foot and less than 3 months later after being on crutches and in a cast I was back to doing triathlons. Amazing!

The ability to dance for sure. It’s my way to celebrate, or how I wake myself up on a late night drive, or a way to connect with the high school girls I mentor. Dancing is such a great way of self expression! And I don’t care what you look like when you do!

LindseyJuly 31, 2010, 12:43 am

I am most greateful for the ability to dance!

Brianne DeCesareJuly 31, 2010, 1:29 am

I am very thankful that I have a healthy, sturdy, strong body that allows me to stand for many many hours at a time. It got me through 6 wonderful years of waitressing and will now get me through MANY years of nursing 🙂 Without this body I would not be able to help others. I am very thankful for this gift.

CarlyJuly 31, 2010, 1:56 am

I’m grateful for my head – without it I’d be dead! haha no but seriously, I’m just grateful for life in general. It’s so easy to take it for granted, and I am grateful to wake up happy, healthy and loved every morning 🙂

KristinJuly 31, 2010, 2:07 am

Aw, I miss my basil plant! It’s so easy and such a sense of accomplishment to see something so epic sitting on my windowsill 🙂

On a shallow note, I love the fact that I can lick my elbow even though it’s rumored that we humans aren’t supposed to be able to do that. More seriously, I’m very grateful for my body’s ability to bounce back from all the physical torture I have subjected it to over the years.

I am thankful for the ability to be a positive person as well as someone who has a big heart. What I like best is that I try not to judge others, I have an open mind, I am able to see things from others’ perspectives, and I view things with love and happiness! 😀

Dena SemkowskiJuly 31, 2010, 2:38 am

I am most grateful for my ability to care for others, as well as myself!

sirenjessJuly 31, 2010, 5:45 am

I am most grateful for the ability to be active and move around. Although lately I’ve been injured I’m still happy that I’m trying to remain positive and stay active.

JessicaJuly 31, 2010, 7:18 am

i’m grateful that my body can face the challenges of both running and yoga

I’m a singer and I am so grateful that I can carry that talent with me anywhere I go…for some reason it’s always made me feel like I was never truly alone no matter what situation I was going through. I’ve always tried my best to take care of my voice in every way including what I eat, and cardio helps with breath control! 🙂

I am thankful that my body is finally strong enough to carry me through the day. When I was in the thick of an eating disorder, I couldn’t go more than an hour or two without wanting to lay down and take a nap because I was so exhausted/malnourished. Now that I’m recovered, I’m able to go the entire day doing things that make me happy and can now finally LIVE LIFE!

KGJuly 31, 2010, 9:31 am

For me, it is most definitely the ability to see! Reading has always been one of my favorite things to do and I have learned so much about myself and others as a result!

Definitely the simple ability to smile. When you smile you make those around you happy and you make yourself happy too. If you’re stressed – smile! It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you’re smiling – if for no other reason then that those around you almost always smile back!

I am most greatful that my body gets up day after day and powers through my busy days without giving out on me, making me sick, etc. I also enjoy the simple ability to walk. I can’t imagine going through each day without my two feet speedily moving across the floor.

It may sound simplistic, but I’m just thankful that my body is functioning. So many people have so many physical ailments (old injuries, aches & pains, etc). I’m still relatively young & quite active so hopefully I’ll be able to stave off some of this ailments. But for now, I’m just thankful that I can do ANYTHING that I want to do physically. I’m totally able-bodied! : )

As for my favorite body-skill, I’d have to say riding a bike. I am so grateful that my body can push me for 20 + miles on a bike (especially when I definitely can’t run anywhere close to that far… yet).

I think I’m most grateful for my ability *and others abilities* to express emotions on our faces. non verbal communication–laughing, smiling, crying, hugging, kissing–says so much more than words can and i love that our bodies give us the ability to do that

SuzanneJuly 31, 2010, 7:50 pm

Hugging and holding. Hugging my children for the first time was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. And, of course, hugging my husband is one of the best feelings in the world.

Lisa A.July 31, 2010, 10:18 pm

I’m grateful that my body is designed with the many processes that keep me alive, from my heart pumping to my food digesting, to sleeping and waking, to blinking, to all the chemical processes that make me be able to move–truly miraculous! Regarding ability, I’m a type 1 diabetic and so I’m also grateful that I’m *able* to supplement those processes with my pump. 😉

LaurenJuly 31, 2010, 10:57 pm

I’m grateful for the ability to use my hands to do creative things like paint, draw, and hug my family!

CocoAugust 1, 2010, 7:46 am

I am grateful that my body is a tool that I can use to fulfill my dream of making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether I am hammering nails during a Habitat for Humanity build or running a race to raise money to fight childhood cancer, my body gives me the strength and endurance to do these things.

HaleyAugust 1, 2010, 7:17 pm

I am most grateful for my arms. They allow me to hug my boyfriend each night we get home from work.

EmilyAugust 1, 2010, 8:17 pm

I am grateful for my knee!! I had major knee issues for 6 weeks following my first marathon and last night I ran the fastest 5k I’ve ever run. Oh and being in pain simply walking made me realize how amazing our knees are!

SarahAugust 4, 2010, 12:10 am

I’m grateful for the ability to hug my loved ones.

SueAugust 4, 2010, 1:26 am

I’m SO glad my body was able to support me, literally, while being overweight before I discovered SparkPeople!

Your body does amazing things, like kiss, run, dance, sing. What ability are you most grateful for and why?

I’m the most grateful for my bodies ability to heal spiritually, physically & emotionally when confronted to trauma such as tragedy. I have had much tragedy in my life and my body refuses to give up. My job now is to treat my body as it deserves to be treated – a precious vessel.

TerrieAugust 4, 2010, 7:43 pm

I am most thankful for my eyesight. I am a first-time grandmother and I was able to see my grandson, Benjamin, just hours after his birth. What a beautiful sight to behold!

I’m not a Registered Dietitian (RD). For specific medical counseling, please contact a Registered Dietitian or your doctor. My blog posts are based on my own personal knowledge, experience, and opinions. This website's privacy policy is available here.